Apple says counterfeit power adapters may pose a safety risk to users of iPhones and iPads, and will sell its own adapters for just $10 in an effort to drive unsafe products off the market. The move comes in response to the death of a 23-year-old Chinese flight attendant who was allegedly electrocuted while trying to answer her iPhone while it was charging. The company says all the USB power adapters it makes are tested to make sure they meet government safety standards around the world, but that “third party” products may have “safety issues.”
From August 16 through October 18, Apple will sell its USB power adapters for $10 or the equivalent in local currency. The chargers normally retail for $19. Customers must turn in at least one USB power adapter for Apple products to an Apple retail store or Apple authorized service provider in order to take advantage of the offer. They must also bring an iPhone, iPad or iPod to the store for serial number validation.
While many Americans will almost certainly take advantage of Apple’s offer, it is likely to be much more meaningful in China, where counterfeit electronics are more common. The flight attendant’s death has led to a series of social media posts in China warning people not to use iPhones while they are charging.
China is an increasingly important market for Apple, and for all smartphone makers. According to Canalys, one of every three smartphones shipped during the second quarter went to a Chinese retailer. At 88 million handsets, the Chinese smartphone market is by far the world’s largest, and is more than double the size of the U.S. market (32.9 million units in Q2).
Follow me on Twitter.
